Page 5 of Make Your Play

“Of course,” Nash tells him, nodding as he gets up from the couch. He stops and looks back at me. “Are you staying here tonight?”

I stare at him for a moment, my heart beating erratically in my chest. Nash lives two blocks away, so I know he’s not spending the night. “I am.”

“Good,” he says with a satisfied smirk and a nod. “I’ll see you in the morning then.”

He spins on his heel, leaving me without another word as my head spins. He’s kept me at arm’s length since the night of the gala, careful not to get too close since that moment. I look down at my stomach, feeling an immense amount of conflict.

Considering the circumstances now, I don’t blame him.

CHAPTER TWO

NASH

“Why are there marshmallows in the fish tank?”

I tilt my head to the side, looking at the top of the water as small white fluffy marshmallows float along the surface. One of the goldfish swims toward it, its nose hitting it before it darts back down to the center of the tank.

Nova lets out an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head as she walks over and opens the lid. She plucks all three out and holds up the soggy little balls as she purses her lips. “Posey decided she wanted the fish to celebrate last night. Apparently she didn’t understand me when I told her that we don’t do this.”

Poe comes trotting into the kitchen, her feet almost slipping out from beneath her as she doesn’t have her shoes on yet. The small black dress shoes are in her hand and her face lights up as soon as she sees me.

“Uncle Nash!”

Bending my knees, I slide my hands beneath her arms and lift her into the air, tossing her up before catching her. She lets out a high-pitched gasp, followed by a string of giggles as she plants her little hands against my chest. I hold her close to my side, smiling at the warmth she provides, not only physically but to my soul.

Posey was completely unexpected for all of us, but she quickly became the most important part of our worlds. My sister Nova was the best mother Posey could ever ask for and it was amazing watching her grow as a person. I never once doubted her ability to take care of her daughter, but it truly was a joy to see her become the woman she is today.

When I found out about Nova and Lincoln, it was a little weird for me at first. Finding out that my best friend had been sneaking around with my sister took me by surprise. After the initial shock wore off, it didn’t take much for me to get on board with the idea. Lincoln knew I would ruin his fucking life if he broke my sister’s heart, but that’s not something I think I’ll ever have to worry about.

He’s completely smitten with my niece and equally obsessed with my sister. Lincoln stepped up immediately and he’s so great with Posey. I couldn’t ask for a better partner for my sister and a better man to raise my niece as his own.

“Merry Christmas to my favorite girl,” I tell Posey with a smile as I adjust her dress around her legs. “Did you already open your presents from Santa?”

“Yes!” She wiggles in my arms, attempting to get down before she points to the living room. “Come look, come look!”

I laugh softly, readjusting her in my arms as I step away from the fish tank, completely forgetting about the marshmallows. Nova walks over to Lincoln as they have some things ready to take to our father’s house. I carry Posey through the kitchen, heading toward the living room, when I see her walking through the doorway.

The air leaves my lungs in a rush as I take in the sight of Riley. She’s wearing a white sweater dress that falls just above her knees, hugging her body all the way down to the bottom seam. It’s fitted around her growing stomach, showing off her baby bump. She’s all belly and she’s glowing—radiating.

“Hey,” she says softly as her green eyes collide with my blue ones. She glances at Posey in my arms and her expression softens even more. The warmth in her irises blossoms as she looks back at me again. “Merry Christmas, Nash.”

“Merry Christmas, Riley,” I tell her, a smile pulling on my lips as I scan her face, taking in the appearance of her makeup. It’s light, just enough to highlight her naturally beautiful features. Her dark hair hangs in soft curls past her full breasts. “You look lovely.”

Her smile deepens and she lets out a soft breath that sounds like a laugh. “Thanks,” she says, the dimples forming in her cheeks. “You look lovely as well.”

I don’t come close to looking as good as she does right now, but I don’t say that. I opted out of a pair of black joggers and a sweatshirt and instead decided to dress up for the occasion today. It had nothing to do with the fact that I knew Riley would be there. A pair of khaki-colored dress pants and a dark wine sweater seemed like the easiest outfit to throw together. The tattoos on my right arm just dip below the hem around my wrist.

Posey starts to move in my arms and I smile at her as I give Riley an apologetic look. “If you’ll excuse us, someone is being so good and patiently waiting to show me the presents Santa brought her.”

“You’re in for a treat,” Riley tells me, laughing as she waves the two of us on. “Santa went all out this year.”

I catch her smile and her gaze one last time before I give in to the squirming toddler in my arms and head into the living room. She practically jumps from my arms and I carefully set her down before sitting on the floor by the tree as she shows me every single thing she got, down to the bows she saved from the presents.

She reaches for my head, sticking one to my hair before smiling brightly. “That’s better.”

“Much better,” I agree, my smile reaching my eyes before I look back toward the kitchen and find Riley watching the two of us.

She’s standing just beyond the doorway as she absentmindedly rubs her hand over her stomach. Something flashes in her eyes and the softest smile is on her lips. Her gaze collides with mine and lingers for a moment before she steps into the room.

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